17/11/2004
ID cards would secure liberty, not threaten it, claims Blunkett
The Home Secretary has dismissed criticisms that his ID card scheme will be a Big Brother-style surveillance tool, instead claiming it will offer a "practical, simple and secure way" for ordinary citizens to protect and prove their identity.
In a speech to the Institute of Public Policy Research, David Blunkett went further to offset fears that the scheme would be used to provide authorities with detailed information on cardholders, suggesting that shoppers currently supply more information when they apply for a store loyalty card.
Under the proposed scheme, only personal details such as name, address, date and place of birth will be held. Alongside this will be 'biometric' information such as the imprint of a finger or scan of an iris, which establish unique personal identity.
The National Identity Register would not hold information such as medical or tax records, Mr Blunkett said.
The Home Secretary added: "Suggestions of Big Brother-style surveillance are ludicrous. For the 85% of UK households who hold at least one store loyalty card, a far greater and growing database of personal information will already be held by private industry.
"Store loyalty cards keep continuously updated details such as the size of a person's household, whether they're employed or not and the ages of their children, besides what they like to eat, where and how often they shop and even what brand of toothpaste they use. If you do hold a store loyalty card - and the odds are that you do - you have already consented to all this information being repeatedly shared with other companies without any requirement to ask again for your approval."
Mr Blunkett concluded by saying that safeguards would be factored into the scheme to ensure protection of privacy.
"I would not be prepared to let the scheme go forward if I were not convinced that we have a level of protection which ensures personal information is secure," he said.
Home Office research carried out last year found that 79% of respondents were in favour, or very much in favour, of the introduction of identity cards. Of the others, 13% were against and 8% were unsure.
(gmcg/sp)
In a speech to the Institute of Public Policy Research, David Blunkett went further to offset fears that the scheme would be used to provide authorities with detailed information on cardholders, suggesting that shoppers currently supply more information when they apply for a store loyalty card.
Under the proposed scheme, only personal details such as name, address, date and place of birth will be held. Alongside this will be 'biometric' information such as the imprint of a finger or scan of an iris, which establish unique personal identity.
The National Identity Register would not hold information such as medical or tax records, Mr Blunkett said.
The Home Secretary added: "Suggestions of Big Brother-style surveillance are ludicrous. For the 85% of UK households who hold at least one store loyalty card, a far greater and growing database of personal information will already be held by private industry.
"Store loyalty cards keep continuously updated details such as the size of a person's household, whether they're employed or not and the ages of their children, besides what they like to eat, where and how often they shop and even what brand of toothpaste they use. If you do hold a store loyalty card - and the odds are that you do - you have already consented to all this information being repeatedly shared with other companies without any requirement to ask again for your approval."
Mr Blunkett concluded by saying that safeguards would be factored into the scheme to ensure protection of privacy.
"I would not be prepared to let the scheme go forward if I were not convinced that we have a level of protection which ensures personal information is secure," he said.
Home Office research carried out last year found that 79% of respondents were in favour, or very much in favour, of the introduction of identity cards. Of the others, 13% were against and 8% were unsure.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2010
ID Cards To Be Scrapped
Further details of the Government's plans to scrap ID cards have been announced by Home Secretary Theresa May today. The Bill, announced in the Queen's speech, will require the destruction of all personal information gathered from existing cardholders and those currently held in the National Identity Register.
ID Cards To Be Scrapped
Further details of the Government's plans to scrap ID cards have been announced by Home Secretary Theresa May today. The Bill, announced in the Queen's speech, will require the destruction of all personal information gathered from existing cardholders and those currently held in the National Identity Register.
18 September 2013
Convicted Paedophile Loses Legal Challenge Over Bank Details
A convicted paedophile has lost a legal challenge in the High Court over rules requiring him to disclose bank details to police.
Convicted Paedophile Loses Legal Challenge Over Bank Details
A convicted paedophile has lost a legal challenge in the High Court over rules requiring him to disclose bank details to police.
20 March 2012
Government Credit Cards Being Abused
An examination of transaction carried on government credit cards has uncovered evidence of unauthorised transactions. The National Audit Office report released today will show that government-issued procurement cards are being abused due to a failure to oversee their spending.
Government Credit Cards Being Abused
An examination of transaction carried on government credit cards has uncovered evidence of unauthorised transactions. The National Audit Office report released today will show that government-issued procurement cards are being abused due to a failure to oversee their spending.
07 March 2012
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
01 July 2008
Brits Risk £58m A Month In Extra Charges Using Cards Abroad
Research launched today by Travelex reveals consumers are still relying on credit and debit cards abroad, and last month Brits stumped-up £58m in extra charges at ATMs and in retail outlets abroad. This is the equivalent of sending 20,000 families of four on a week-long holiday to the Med.
Brits Risk £58m A Month In Extra Charges Using Cards Abroad
Research launched today by Travelex reveals consumers are still relying on credit and debit cards abroad, and last month Brits stumped-up £58m in extra charges at ATMs and in retail outlets abroad. This is the equivalent of sending 20,000 families of four on a week-long holiday to the Med.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.